Osorra
Empire of Osorra Империя Осоpра | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Emblem of the State
| |
Motto: Пусть Империя проживет 10 000 Лун! May the Empire Live for 10,000 Moons! | |
Anthem: Национальный гимн Осорpы National Anthem of Osorra  | |
 Area controlled by Osorra in dark green | |
| Capital | Cuzka |
| Largest | Zalivkov |
| Official languages | Yarovan |
| Recognised national languages | Quechan Aymara Piman Tupi Tilennan |
| Religion | Tanets Solntsa |
| Government | Troika |
• Triumvir I | Misha Mikhaylov |
• Triumvir II | Klava Novikova |
• Triumvir III | Gervasii Orlov |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 132,434,320 |
| GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | $2.873 tn |
• Per capita | $21,700 |
| Gini (2020) |  .56low |
| HDI |  .78high |
| Currency | Ossora Ruble (ORU) |
| Time zone | UTC-6:30 |
| Driving side | right |
| Internet TLD | .osa |
Osorra (Осоppа), offically the Empire of Osorra (Империя Осора), is a sovereign state located in Anterra, south of Tilenno, with around 131 million people. Located on the western coast of central Avalonia, most of the population resides near her fertile river systems. In the central mountains, where these systems orginate, lies the capital Cuzka. The primary language is Yarovan, with minority native langagues spoken in rural areas. Since the overthrow of the monarchy in 2014, Osorra is ruled by powerful noble families organized in a so-called "troika".
Osorrai civilization is thousands of years old. The first Osorrai state is the Oin, which formed the basis of Osorrai civilization. After its fall, Osorra was ruled by various warlords paying tribute to a central temple in Cuzka. Conquerors would attempt to reconstitute the Oin several times, remaining unsuccessful until Axateqem created the Ossoi Empire. The Ossoi Empire was a technologically advanced, wealthy, and dynamic empire, attracting visitors from as far as Akiteiwa. It would last for over 600 years, and after its collapse the isolationist and decentralized Bacti League would form. Later, within the League, the rulers of Zalivkov, the Arnica House became a client of the Vojisky Empire and conquered much of the ex-territories of the Ossoi Empire, establishing the Duchy of Osorra in 1810.
Many settlers came to the Duchy and it quickly grew. When Vojisky fell to civil war, Menshevik socialists took over in the October 13th Event, overthrew the Duchy and declared an independent Republic. The Democratic Republic of Osorra was quite corrupt and gave free room to a class of robber barons who while industrializing the country, vastly increased inequality. The unstable economy they created led to a depression in the 40s, allowing a more radical class of socialists to take power and nationalize Osorrai industry. With their programs to end the depression, Osorra became an industrial powerhouse, and she worked to spread socialism through Avalonia. Eventually the Osorra-Tilenno War was launched to overthrow the neighboring Tilennian government and install a Communist regime. Osorra however lost and was forced to enact many reforms, open up the economy, painfully restructure many industries, and allow for democratic elections by the international community. These reforms were controversial and led to a coup in 1989, which created the modern state.
The coup saw the banning of the Communist Party and all factions in the government along with the establishment of a new Constituion and Empire. Vast civil unrest occurred until the rise of Misha Mikhaylov in 1995. His ascendance led to a stabilization of the economic situation along with the army being rebuilt. Still, another coup in 2014 led to the young Tsar being exiled and the triumvirate to take charge. Since the fall of Communism, Osorra has integrated into the global economy. Benefitting from low taxes, free market reforms, and a large skilled workforce - Osorra has mantained high growth rates since 1995 - and is today one of the largest economies in Anterra.
Today, Osorra is one of the great powers of Avalonia with significant influence over Avalonian geopolitics as well as stong ties with Kesh and Eastern Artemia. Osorra is a major exporter of semiconductors, electronics, light consumer goods, and metals. The country has a noninterventionist foreign policy focused on expanding trade, although it has strained ties with Siwi and Shenewa.
Etymology
Osorra is thought to have originated from the native word for mother, "Oso", and the term "Ori" which loosely translates to country. Words such as "Ossoi" would be used for other Osorrai polities. When the Arnica House took the country it would officially name it "Osorra", translating to the mother country.
History
Prehistory
The first traces of human habitation within Osorra have been dated back to 12,000 BCE, belived to come north from Tilenno. These tribes were primarily hunter gatherers, seeking game and various fruits in the vast rainforests of Osorra. There was a sharp cultural boundary created between the rainforest tribes, and those of the plains. It is unknown when agriculture first developed within Osorra, however various pottery has been found dating 8,000 BCE. It is believed various city states developed, cultivating small crops and fish. Osorrai civilization however would remain underdeveloped until crops such as corn or potatoes could be sucessfully cultivated.
Oin Empire
The Oin exists partly in mythology, and party in fact. Many believe it to be not a centralized empire in any sense, but a "loose league" of many city states. The Oin was believed to be formed out of increasing warfare between cities, as well as their growing trade links. The first "Sapa" of the Oin is heavily mythologized. According to oral stories, he came out of Mount Sapa, with many eagles congregating around him. He claimed to be "of the essence of the Earth, Sun, and Skies", and would show the mostly disorganized people of the Earth the path towards communion with himself. The King of the territory around Mount Sapa would go to investigate, only to become dazzled by his mere presence. The King fell into delirium, and the Sapa became his teacher. He would soon invite many kings to learn from the Sapa. The Sapa taught the men about the reality of existance - all existance was merely energies flowing out of him, the first cause. These energies would eventually expand out into infinity and become nothingness unless they seek out the ways of the Viracocha through the following light and wisdom of the sun. Those who embrace the essence of the Viracocha according to the Sapa, forstall the Great Nothingness, and move closer towards reversing creation to become one with the Viracocha. The Sapa would then keep the kings in his monastery, hoping to create a bond between them, and educate the others about the truth of existance. The Kings left their kingdoms, spending years spreading the Sapa's creed. They were attacked by several "Mistaken" kings, who formed a league against them. Through the Sapa's wisdom they won many pyrric victories, however just because they had won, didn't stop the battle. The Sapa insisted that the rival kings must learn the Truth with all their hearts, and eventually sacrifice themselves to the Sun. After that task was done, the Sapa would sacrifice himself too, asking his sons to carry out his message.
Three days his death, he had a child with a women known as the First Acalla, and this child became the first Emperor of the Oin Empire. The child, known as the Osya Qhapaq would go on to lead the empire. The Osya Ohapaq would commission the building of great irrigation sytems, roads, and many monestaries. Osorrai monastic life is unique as all members are required to be apart of acllas, and men within those were required to live as women. He codified the laws of Osorrai faith on Quipus with the Strings of the Heavenly Law. The Osya Qhapaq began taking over other cities and forcing them to pay tributes to his domain. He would evntually take up to Mount Sapa before his death 60 years after birth. His son, Secound Qhapaq would follow in the footsteps of his father through the conquest of more territory, and the construction of infrastructure. He also began work on the grand city known as Cuzka, which would be built on the highlands near Mount Sapa. Many temples and the Summer Palace would be built on Cuzka, along with a road system to connect lowlying towns and villages to the grand capital. A vast library of quipu was constructed in Cuzka, estimated to the largest in premodern Avalonia. Osorra was thought to have high rates of literacy since quipu were cheap to create and reproduce compared to paper, and they have been invaluable in studying premodern Osorra.
The dull may say these are just strings
Vane playthings of the acalla
Perhaps they are
But as a child under the tutelage of the cosmos
I like this game!
— A fragment from an Explication of Literacy
The Oin was believed to be one of the most advanced Bronze Age civilizations in Anterra with sosphistated infrastucture, a well educated population, and some of the highest populations during that period. The various nomadic boating cilivzations around Osorra would borrow Osorrai culture and in many cases pay tribute to the Qhapad. The Oin made privoal discoveries in math and the sciences, and were known for their extremely advanced surgical procedures.
The political economy was structured as a palace economy, where peasants would give a portion of their crop every year in exchange for protection and various goods from the estates. These estates were kings who pledged tribute to the Qhapaq, and once a year would send a few virgins as Aclla. The King's were usually elected by community elders, who could remove said Kings. During times of war or mass public works the Qhapaq could request men from the estates to participate in mit'a.
The Oin built grand schools of learning in Osorra, and constructed many libraries. They would be manned by the acalla, women who had give themselves to chastity or men who had given themselves to chastity and agreed to live as women. The Oin would built many vast temples surrounded by a moat in the center of their cities, which were places of worship for the Inti. These temples served as places of worship, public baths, and the official residences for the acalla.
O' great water nymph!
Studying the Gods, the Angels, and the Cosmos beneath our feet
Recording it on strings so even when the sun dies
Our Sapa shall be remembered!
The Oin began the cultivation of crops such as corn and potato, which would be stored for times of great calamities. As far as we can tell their diet was primarily based on cornbread and various beans soups and stews. Meat was seen as taboo to the Oin as llamas were treated with religious devotion. The only meat they would consume were imported turkeys during holidays.
What we know about Oin art is quite limited since many of their drawings have succumbed to nature. However we still know about the plays of the Oin, many of which were tragedies. The plays focused on the mercy of god, the inevitability of decay, and the cost of sin. Their tragedies would influence many novels in Yarova and remain classics across the world.
Initally the Oin was quite stable, being ruled by the Five Good Qhapaqs, who were known for their good judgement and intelligence. They would work together with the local kings and commision many great public works. However the Quenti Qhapag who came afterwards was weak willed and heavily influenced by the acalla in the court. They would marry him off to the mischievious Cuxi who led his mind astray. The Quenti Qhapag would demand subordinates who failed to heed his word sacrifice themselves and burned many quipus which he disagreed with. He was removed with a peasant uprising and replaced with the General Atoc Qhapag. Atoc would have to repair much of the damage done by Quenti and attempted to remove Cuxi. Cuxi fled to the deserts far north never to be seen again. Atoc began the period known as the Reign of the Military Chiefs. During this period the Oin was centralized with many local kings gradually losing power. It developed a large army and began conquests deep into barbarian lands.
Atoc and his sons would massively expand the Oin Empire and spread its customs far and wide. He would also construct many roads and create a network for scholars to send quipus and communicate with each other. Archeologists have found evidence of Oin civlization possessing advanced smelting methods. The Oin also created the first Osorrai political philosphy. Primarily concerned with ethics and the human soul, the Oin believed a man should focus on giving and building to the broader civilization focusing on the good. The Oin wrote many treatises on psychology and the nature of the mind many of which are sadly lost today. The Oin developed several competiting schools of thought.
Atoc gradually grew more opposed to the acalla, even as both expanded. The acalla critized the army's treatment of the Oin's new subjects and critized his illegitmacy as an emperor. The conflict between the acalla and the Atoc Dynasty would'nt grow serious until the reign of his 4th son. His 4th son was obsessed with military affairs and expanding the empire, neglecting the logistics of the expanding empire. Several revolts would engulf the Oin and he Atoc IV would gradually grow extremely unpopular. An unknown eunuch who was in the acalla would assasinate him and placed the nation under a council of acalla. The triumvate as it was called would implement many needed reforms for the empire to expand with its growing size but always fought over the question of the next emperor. With no reliable bloodlines and the government vowing not to place any military figures an emperor would need to be found that was not in the existing high ranks of the state, as to avoid political instability. They finally decided on grooming a slave boy known as the Chiguan. Chiguan came to rule after the council and would deal with the empire's logistcal programs. Chiguan stopped all further expansion and negoitated peace with the neighboring empires. He created acalla monestaries and various legal instutions in the new territories, as well as signing treaties with various tribes.
Disillusion of the Oin
The political instability that gripped the Oin following Chuigun’s death led to the Empire slowly dissolving. Kingdoms in the periphery broke away while closer to the core local chiefs and acalla began engaging in political games. Generals would raise their armies independent of the central state while lords would fail to pay taxes. Gradually the capacity of the Oin broke apart and it was unable to resist later Teruko invasions.
Sensing the instability of the Oin Teruko lords began to send raids. These raids heavily weakened the legimacy of the Oin in the eyes of the people while empowering petty Lords. According to historical records the Lord of what is now Okarina allied with these northern invaders and led a revolt. This rebellion while eventually defeated led to the severe weakening of the Oin. The Oin was forced to rely on disloyal military generals to mantain its integrity after the revolt. Ever more incurrsions and revolts would gradually weaken its grip until Teruko Lords entered the capital in 2000 BCE.
Period of Teruko Vassalage
With the capture of Cuzka by Teruko, the Oin was no more. It was divided among various Teruko warlords. Details for this period are limited, since the qiupu record almost completely fell apart. What we are aware of, however, is there was widespread plague and hunger at this time. Some demographers estimate over 1/3 of the Oin’s population perished.
These warlords ruled quite brutishly and brutally wantonly slaughtering innocent civilians. Many locals were enslaved or murdered. This period is seen as the start of the Tuta - or Dark Ages in Osorrai history.
Pachakutic
Rising out of the once great city of Cuzka, Pachakutic was an ambitious nobleman who sought to rebuild the once great Oin. He built up the city’s milita and conquered many surrounding cities. From this base he came to control important metal trade routes and acquire great wealth. He grew a massive army and eventually moved on northern coastal cities. After this, he moved towards the Southern rainforest.
Pachakutic was renowned for his extreme martial skill and strategic intelligence. Many of the corrupt lords fell before his sword. He sought to recreate the Oin Empire and would mobilize vast portions of the populations on vast megaprojects. He began the start of a grand wall with what is now Tilenno to keep "barbaric" elements. His grand tombs are still popular attractions to this day.
Pachakutic most contraversially pushed the heresy that the Sapa was the only god and other gods were merely images of the Sapa. He was similar in philosophy to legalist rulers of East Kesh and believed in harsh rules and heavy punishments. His regime featured many executions.
Chi'aw Period
With Pachakutic’s death it was unknown who would inherit his legacy. His polity was now the most powerful in Perala and could quickly unite the disparate kingdoms. His eldest son ruled well for 30 years before being assassinated by a member of the acalla. His younger sons based around different cities organized their own armies and fought for power.
There were 4 sons, one based around Cuzka, one around what is today Kakhab, what is today Zalivkov, and another based to the east of the Intoi Mountains. The fought for around 30 years, destroying much of their fathers legacy but building great armed military machines.
Finally acalla negotiated peace between the warring brothers close to their death, and a semifedual union was created. Their sons became "co-rulers" of a newly created Empire by 300 AD- but in reality the acalla was in control of the empire.
Tuta
This period was known as the "Tuta" not due to high levels of death or plague - far outpaced by previous periods of Osorrai history - but instead the level of backwardness and low levels of technological sophistication. The acalla ruled during this time and enacted a heavy degree of spiritual austerity.
Osorra during this period saw its cities depopulated and the monastaries become the primary site of political power. Osorra was dominated by petty fedual lords who ran plantations and extracted tribute from their subjects. Cities increasingly began to be beset by animal attacks from the forest as the rainforest encroached on them.
This period was perhaps one of the longest in Osorrai history, lasting until 900AD.
Ossoi Empire
The Ossoi Empire was formed due to the lord of the coastal city of Zalivkov, Axateqem, growing extremely rich from trade with Kesh. He raised an army and expropriated the local acalla. He moved on the entire northern seaboard and the provinces of Okarina. Then he moved to capture Cuzka.
Axateqem was from an ethnic minority and believed in a variety of religious heresies. He attracted a great deal of hatred from the local acalla but him strong, and the acalla weak, they were quickly defeated. He forced many of the acalla monestaries to fall in line with his teachings. He would form the Ossoi Empire - the second great Osorrai Empire.
The Ossoi completed a series of border walls with what is now Tilenno. They engaged in a great deal of megaprojects early in their reign - building many grand pyramids and roads. In 973 AD the Ossoi Empire would conduct a the first census and compiled detailed statistics on the Osorrai population. Millions of peasants were recruited into grand labor armies to build cities for the king.
In 1000 Axateqem's Son would commission the construction of the glorious palace of Cuzka. A moat was dug out of the ground and the palace was laid out on an axial plan. It was made up of 5 major pyarmids with various tunnels connecting them. These pyramids were the largest in the world at the time. This massive palace complex would house thousands of nobles. In the center chamber lay the king, as well as great underground tombs for Osorra’s kings.
The Ossoi Empire became a trade powerhouse and had a monopoly on many rare goods. It made many neighboring states its client states and interevened in the situtation within Tilenno. Its great power attracted digtaries far and wide.
The Ossoi would attract audiences from both East Kesh and the major Avalonian kingdoms at the time. They would write stories of its great wealth and splendor - its grand massive cities, massive pyramids, and diverse peoples. Rumors even spread to parts of the world that had no idea about Avalonia.
As the Empire grew it became extremely pacifist and inward seeking. The Kings of the Ossoi wanted to avoid the overextension that doomed the Oin. While extremely wealthy it only focused on industry. The acalla regained its powerful position from the 14th century onwards and began indulging in carnal luxury pleasures.
This growing corruption eventually lead to the decline of the empire and the loss of its once great wealth.
Romance of the Ossoi Princes
Around the 16th century a middling prince around the East known as Ouchin grew tired of this extreme and growing corruption. He allied with several generals and caused a revolt in a border province. At a stronger phase of the Empire, this might’ve been a small issue, the corruption faced by the army allowed him to gain a large degree of territory. He was eventually able to conquer all the Eastern plains to the Intoi.
Near Kakhab, a concubine seduced a powerful prince known as Qugir to raise his own army and stop the middling prince due to the weakness of the army. The main army grew confused and viewed this as a revolt - soon the entire nation was embroiled in war. The chief general Maita overthrew the king and installed himself as military dictator. Qugir’s position was perilous and he had to ally with the northern acalla around Okarina.
Ouchin tried to sue for peace but was only repulsed by Maita. He allied with the northern acalla and tried to march towards Cuzka. They led a siege but were soon repulsed by Maita. Qugir used this to attack Ouchin, and Ouchin was being attacked by two fronts. However due to his massive amounts of strategic depth he was able to lure both armies far into the country. Maita lost Zalivkov to the acalla and eventually Ouchin seized Cuzka. Qugir was now on the retreat, being attacked on both sides.
Thankfully for him Maita resurged, leading various scattred attacks from bases in the Intoi Mountains. Ouchin’s army was unable to cope with warfare in the mountains and stopped advancing. The weak acalla was unable to advance. Unfortunely, Maita recruited many irregulars, who soon assasinated him and took over.
Now, his army was being ruled by Punai the Barbarian. Punai kicked Ouchin from the Intoi but was unable to advance into his lands due to the distinct terrian. Ouchin and Qugir agreed to an alliance to stop the barbarian Lord. Over the next 10 years they engaged in a series of attacks to weaken his forces. These anaconda attacks led to his slow destruction.
However after defeating him, Ouchin and Qigur immeditately began fighting again. Many of Punai’s men created their own armies and created kingdoms in the choas. This period - from around 1590-1600 was the most violent period of the war with widespread looting and arson.
The acalla stepped in to have Ouchin and Qigur declare peace, they eventually united with each other and agreed to a meeting.
Bacti League
Ouchin and Qigur agreed to form the Bacti League, wherein Qugir and 2 members of his families would gain lordship over coastal provinces, Ouchin would control the East, and Cuzka would be under the acalla. This arrangement would create the Bacti League.
The Bacti League had to deal with the new situtation of encroaching Artemian coloniaism. In response it shut off its borders and adopted a closed door policy. It enacted a hardline policy against the mercantile classes, even killing many of them during the Great Mercantile Purge.
The Bacti heavily suppressed the printed word and tried to retain the quipu - despite local interference. The Bacti state was extremely repressive against new ideas and tried to close off the country.
Plagues also emerged during their rule that killed large amounts of people. The Bacti state was dominated by very corrupt close minded nobles who used these plagues as excuses to not leave their royal quarters despite their peoples suffering.
Several rebellions calling for openness and modernization were brutully suppressed. Despite this humanist "new learning" flourished inside the Bacti despite suppression by authorities. Many subjects of the Bacti would flee to become foreign sailors or mercenaries.
Yarovan Expeditions
To the West, Yarova was debating its options. While it had gained a great deal of inland colonies it had failed to get a foothold in the overseas colonial rush. In response Yarova sent expeditions abroad. Yarovar missionaries reached Osorra around the early 1760s. While, normally, as foreigners they would be kicked out they befriended the local acalla and were given shelter and residence.
Gradually Yarovar missionaries gained a foothold around Zalivkov. The Arnica House used these missionaries to bring in foreign trade. By acting as the only open Osorrai port they became extremely wealthy and were able to raise an army. The Arnica House slowly became more powerful and would bribe states to gain power in the Bacti League.
The other members of the Bacti League grew suspisious of Arnica intentions. The Arnica House slowly cut ties and executed spies and informants from other kingdoms. By the 1790s many Yarovar ships were entering Arnica ports bringing weaponry.
Wars of Osorrai Reunification
With the bringing in of Yarovar weaponry and generals, the Qoya of the Arnica House launched an attack on the rest of the Bacti League. He had a modern army, armed with machine guns, artillery, and modern muntions. He was quickly able to crush the other kingdoms, however in an assymetric fashion.
The brutal wars of Osorrai Reunification cost millions of lives and led to the widespread destruction of the country. Industrialized warfare brought levels of carnage never seen before. With his capture of Cuzka in 1817 the ruler of Arnica became the effective ruler of Osorra. He was forced however to mantain a military of Yarovars, accept many Yarovar advisiors, and most importantly let a foreign corporation control his kingdom’s finances. He was a puppet in all but name.
Period of Vojiskiy Vassalage
With Yarova's effective conquest of Osorra, the isolationist policy was lifted. Due to the destruction of the war, large section of Eastern Osorra had been cleared of human habitation. Millions of immigrants moved in seeking fertile farmland and pasture. Also due to rumors of gold near the Intoi Mountains - a massive gold rush occured. The traditional population of Osorra was completely displaced from this period. Osorra’s cities were totally rebuilt under a Vojisky plan and vast industries were constructed.
The massive influx of immigrants completely changed Osorra, which was being overrun. The country became a hotbed of criminality and drug usage. Numerous secret socities set up shop - hoping to gain power from the "secrets within". The Qoya became completely derelict from his ruling duties and gave all power to his advisors. The bureacracy was mostly entirely staffed by Yarovar technocrats.
Some natives tried to lead riots or revolts but were brutually crushed. Yarova constructed gigantic plantations for much of the native population to work in and bring resources to the mother country.
Osorrai religion was completely reshaped during this period. A saint known as Kapralov Artemiy Timurovich came to Osorra around 1870 seeking to convert natives. He soon discovered many similarities between their beliefs and the emerging beliefs of "cosmism" in Osorra. Thus he created a new faith known as Tanets Solstana: which believes the universe exists in an immanent unity that has been broken up and it is man’s job to remake and reunite the cosmos in the image of God.
This period led to the modernization of Osorra, yet its fall. It ceased to exist as a civilization but instead as a colonial protectorate. Its native population was enslaved and displaced by a wealthy Yarovar planter class. In the East vast tracts of land was taken over by wealthy cattle owners who lived better than the wealthiest kings. To the North came a massive gold rush that caused millions to settlers to come in a frenzy. Osorra was a "frontier" region with crazed amounts of financial speculation and interest all seeking to remake its once pure land.
Vojiskiy War
When civil war came to Yarova, overseas colonies like Osorra were initially unaffected. The colonial bureaucracy contained as usual - unaffected by the changed abroad. However under the surface tensions were brewing. A vast nationalist movement had developed and lead various riots against the colonial government. Also, ambitious officals sought more power and autonomy from the Yarovar monarchy. One of these, a noble known as Oleg Kozlov took increasing power over the Osorrai government. He maneuvered to grow his power in the absence of direction from abroad and purged all officials that would go against him. Eventually he launched a sailors mutiny on foreign Yarovar vessels and declared independence as the new Tsar. Oleg raided the palace and executed the Old Qoya - forming the People's State of Osorra.
The People's State of Osorra held elections in 1924. The Menshevik Party won these by a clear majority. The Menshevik Government announced the start of Sotsial'nyy Pod'yem - generally clearing up the worst excesses of colonialism. Infrastructure was improved, crime was reduced, and ethnic groups were treated better. Yet, it remained quite corrupt. The Menshevik Government was closely tied to Osorrai industrialists and banker families.
Jazzy Rose Period
The 30s and early 40s in Osorra are called the "Jazzy Rose Period". This period saw an exploision in the economy as Osorra was no longer compliant with Yarovar protectionist policies and opened up to the international market. Osorrai industrialists opened up massive plants dedicated to the production of steel, automobiilies, and chemicals. This period also saw the rise of massive gangsters who ran drugs from Osorrai ports to other nations.
Many movies were made during this period, with the Osorrai film industry arising. They showcase many of the social issues of this period, as well as the massive industrial progress. Skyskrapers dotted the skies in major Osorrai cities, cars filled the streets, and a mass market developed.
Osorra became more geopolitically active as a result, constructing a massive navy that became active in the Coral Sea. It engaged in confrontations with other major powers like Brigantica yet war never became a reality. A massive arms industry was constructed, a priority of Oleg Kozlov, and the country became a formidable force in global affairs.
Despite the massive progress of this period, it was extremely imbalanced economically. Many industrialists were indebted by the end of the Jazzy Rose Period and domestic tensions ramped up due to the advent of television and radio.
Osorrai Depression
The stock market crashed in 1942 and left many of Osorra's top companies struggling. Oleg Kozlov refused to bail them out or intervene in the economy, leading to an economic depression. Millions of people fell out of work and massive plants went out of business.
Volkovists were the main faction set to gain from the economic malaise and organized a formidble political force. They had support among many gnerals and officals of the army who were tied of the liberal and progressive policies of the Menshevik Government. In 1946 they stormed the palace and deposed Oleg Kozlov from power.
People's State of Osorra
To deal with the depression, the Volkovists nationalized many key Osorrai companies and pursued a massive stimulus program. They announced a hardline policy on crime - arresting many gang members and breaking up the drug trade. They also effective turned Osorra into a party-state by requiring Volkovist committees in schools, companies, and other institutions.
The People's State built up a massive highway system, the first of its kind, to connect Osorrai cities. They rebuilt Osorrai cities in the name of technical efficiency and industry. The Volkovists believed in total industrial coordination to increase the wealth of the country and eliminated "efficiencies" wherever they saw them. The average income and living standards rapidly rose during this period, as wages rose for the vast majority and millions of homes were constructed.
The People's State drastically increased armament and centralized the previously disparate and broken up military industry. They nationalized the nation's agriculture system and placed it under the direction of technocrats. The industry was further mechanized with a system of goverment systems in place to protect farmers.
By the 50s the People's State was the emergent power in Avalonia and furthered its international image by leading the independence of the Kitiko Islands. It played a key role in Avalonian geopolitics and fought for decolonization. It sent arms and equipment to various independence wars around the continent, especially for Baileneu Ma.
Osorra also became a leader in "big science" through state giants like Sosya. Thousands of scientists and researchers congrated into cities like Kakhab where they engaged in cutting edge research. The country became a leader in numerous scientific areas as a result and made key strides in areas like computing.
Eventually big science led to the "Three Satellites, One Man, One Bomb" project in 1964. It was extremely ambitious, seeking a nuclear bomb, a man on the moon, and a world-class space program. Its growing power led to tensions with its neighbors.
Osorra-Tilenno War
Collapse of the People's State
Modern Osorra
Geography
Climate
Environment
Politics and Government
The Empire of Osorra is a monarchy, ruled by the Solnechnyy Tsar'. Currently however, the nation is led by a triumvirate. The legislature is bicameral. The Inner House is made up of the military, nobility, and various important figures. The Outer House is popularly elected by the property owners within the county. The Outer Imperial House controls the power of the purse, while the Inner is the only one allowed to propose laws. Most laws are created by the Imperial Houses and approved by the Tsar. The structure of the Imperial Houses is unlike other countries since Osorra limits participation in legal political societies to the upper aristocracy known as the Pomeshchiks. Consequently, Osorri politics is made up of many small social societies instead of large political parties - who join into loose cliques. The Triumvirate currently takes on the role of approving the decisions of the Imperial Houses and overseeing their activities. All states at least allow universal sufferage in their outer houses and some such as Okarina have suffrage in the Lower Houses. Osorra has many regional parties and organizations such as the Other Okarina Party.
The non-landed classes exercise their power primarily through religious and charitable organizations - often controlled by wealthy oligarchs. These organizations are united into the All-Osorra Trade Union, a powerful trade union with a large degree of influence. Osorra's working classes have limited avenues of political organization at the national level, but have voting rights at the state level. The Outer House has some democratically elected representatives depending on the state.
Osorra's judicial system is quite unique for having a great deal of military influence. In criminal courts most cases are administered by military tribunals, these have 3 soldiers from the community deciding on criminal matters. They utilize common law, effectively giving the military full jurisdiction to decide matters of Osorrai law. The military also runs many of Osorra's prisons, where it is alleged they utilize forced labor. This role has come under particular scrutiny due to the recent War on Drugs. Osorra's civil court system is quite complex and layered with both the federal state and oblasts having their own court system. Usually at the lower level a district magistrate operates while in higher courts the title of judge is received. Osorrai civil courts process most white collar crime incidents.
Osorra's state ministries are under the direct control of the Tsar or as of now the triumvirate. The Tsar can select various state ministers in the Imperial Council, where officials such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, etc are located in. His picks must be approved by the Imperial Houses before they take their positions. Many functions related to communication and transportation are managed by the military, who own many state companies and selects the board members of said companies. The military operates these functions relatively autonomously and has been unwilling to cede them to the civilian government. State companies operated by the civilian government are operated by the Council of State Asset Management.
Osorra is commonly thought to be neither authoritarian or democratic, but anocratic. The country allows dissidence and political opposition to manifest, however it limits those who can legitimately question state power. Without voice, other groups resort to collaboration with interest groups with a voice, or rejection of sovereign power. Since the 2014 coup, Osorra has been ruled by a triumvirate and has encroached upon the limited democratic rights the citizens posses.
Tsar
In Osorrai religious tradition law is thought to derive from the great ancestor, Manco Cápac, who seeded several bloodlines capable of absolute rule. Many families have claimed this right, often through war. Exiled Izhi Arnica of the Arnica House is seen as the most valid claimant, however the 4 great noble families of Osorra are believed to be vying for the throne and have thus repeatly denied the return of members of the Arnica House. Currently Osorra is ruled by a triumvirate which gives the major noble houses joint rule.
Military
The Armed Forces of Osorra is the military of Osorra and is under the command of the Osorrai High Command. The Osorrai Command is made up of 5 generals, who are among the most powerful men in the country. The military makes decisions through consensus amount the 5 generals, although the Lieutenant General is allowed to make decisions if consensus cannot be reached. The military has 600k active troops and about 800k paramilitary in total, with 5 branches: The Osorrai Army, the Osorrai Air Forces, the Osorrai Navy, Okhrana, and the Paramilitary of National Self Defense. The largest division in the armed forces by far is the Paramilitary, with around 800k members in total. The paramilitary operates around various irregular regional forces, who are semi-regularly trained and can support professional forces if needed. They also exist to put down rebellions and control peripheral regions within the country. Paramilitary forces are enlisted in the military's various megaprojects, and its existence is seen as somewhat of a "job program" to support poor Osorrai.
The second-largest force is the Osorrai Army with 350,000 troops. The army since the loss in the Osorra Tilenno War has significantly shifted its doctrine, moving away from structured formations, and towards flexible and mobile formations suited towards the unique geography of Avalonia. As such the army has focused on developing light mechanized infantry systems, using small APCs and even trucks that can transverse rough terrain. The army has also invested in various missile defense systems to attempt to "trap" an enemy force and reduce their morale. These reforms have made Osorra's army an extremely flexible force, which in unison with airpower, serves as a powerful deterrent to any attacks. The army operates in a node system, where each company is expected to operate as a self-contained unit which can sustain itself if needed. The army in recent years has involved itself in conflict with many of the country's drug cartels with the assistance of countries such as Brigantica.
Osorra has a large airforce, made up of hundreds of planes, primarily older models. The airforce has 100,000 personnel in total. The primary focus of the airforce is to harass enemy supply lines, shock and awe, and scouting of enemy forces. The navy has 150,000 personnel with around -.
The military's most infamous department is the militarized police and intelligence force known as the Okhrana. The Okhrana was formed in 1990 in response to the massive September Riots with the merger of all militarized federal police departments and intelligence apparatus into one unified apparatus. The newly created Okhrana began fighting against many radical groups and forcing them into hiding. They would engage in a variety of repressive actions to protect the fragile Osorrai state including the shooting down of many protestors. The Okhrana also worked to rebuild Osorra's former spy network, posting in numerous countries. However, with the start of foreign intervention in the Beskonechnaya Noch Osorra was forced to downsize the Okhrana and refocus it on the drug trade. With the advent of the internet, the Okhrana created a vast apparatus of internet surveillance and a limited system of censorship to remove "libelous content". The Okhrana has infiltrated many civilian organizations in Osorra and is seen as a critical bulwark in keeping the state stable.
Foreign Relations
Osorra is a member of the Yunnan Pact and observer to KTEC. Its closest allies remain South Kesh and Nanwen along with strong ties with Akiteiwa and Kodeshia. Osorra enjoys strong trade financial and economic ties with Yarova and Tilenno but have many diplomatic disagreements. Also, concerned about an overwhelming level Yarovar expatriates - Osorra cut visa free access in 2015. Many of the monarchies of Avalonia such as Tavaluda, Shenewa, and Siwi Kondre have criticized Osorra and strained ties due to the Expulsion of the Osorrai Monarchy. Shenewa has been the most vocal about the matter and hosts numerous Osorrai monarchist dissidents on its soil. Osorra levels no sanctions or visa embargoes on any nation except for Selengeria which in 2007 it cut ties with due to pressure from KTEC. The Osorrai legislature is debating passing sanctions on Siwi Kondre due to human rights abuses from the civil war. Osorra is the only major power in Avalonia to publicly voice diplomatic support for the Communists and has offered leading figures asylum from persecution.
Osorra practices a realistic foreign policy based on the expansion of international commerce and increasing globalization. Perhaps in reality however the nation could be seen as following a mercantile policy of expanding its exports. The country has voiced concerns when nationalist governments take power in Yarova and call for them to "respect the rights of minority groups". The country aligns with KTEC interests and is against the nationalism or etatist policies of NSC or ECOSEAS states. Osorra signed into law a series of tariffs against ECOSEAS imports in 2018 to protect Osorrai agricultural industries.
Economy
Osorra has a higher middle-income economy with a GDP of around 2.8 trillion nominal. The basis for the economy was built through the mass modernization of the 30s and 40s, which saw Osorra create massive industries and achieve a high degree of technological sophistication. Threatened by the rest of Avalonia, the country built a massive Osorrai industrial system to provide for the needs of the defense industry. With the collapse of Communism in the 90s the country saw a major economic contraction. However the situtation stabilized in the late 90s early 2000s and Osorra became a global leader in many fields. The economy is based around heavy industries, light industry, agriculture, and technology. Most of the nation's industries, mines, and farms are owned by a small class of oligarchs who launder much of the money outside the nation. As a result, Osorra is one of the most unequal nations in Anterra, with a GINI of .56. Osorra does have some vibrant and innovative sectors, however, such as the technology, telecommunications, and defense. Some regions of the country such as Kakhab Hi-Tech Zone have seen rapid GDP growth that far exceeds the rest of the country. Much of the nations wealth is concentrated in the major 3 cities - Cuzka, Kakhab, and Zalivkov
Osorra's economy is dominated by family enterprises, the military and state owned companies. Ownership within Osorrai companies is heavily obfuscated with entities using a wide degree of shell companies. There is a wide deal of political influence, as the military posts cells in private firms, allowing it to learn about and control private companies. The military has promised that its political interference will not "overrule" shareholders nor the companies' profitability, and in more recent years has acted more transparently about its activities to soothe shareholders. However, in terms of regulation, Osorra has a very libertarian policy stance. The Osorrai government holds a stake in many companies through the Osorrai Pension Fund, and National Diversification Fund which in recent years has allowed the state to wean of the mining as a source of state revenue. Osorra is still broadly seen as an economy under the control of the state, since the state holds a large chunk of Osorra's total corporate holdings, however, without any centralized planning body, these assets are controlled for the benefit of private actors within the state, or connected to the state. The economy is primary under 4 families, the Novikovas, the Egorovs, the Aslanovs, and the Mikhaylovs.
Osorra's oligarchs dominate the Osorrai private economy and their influence does not stop there, as they own stake in semi public firms. The oligarchs are a small group of businessmen with enormous sums of wealth, often numbering in the tens of billions. Most of them are primarily focused on the mining agriculture, or heavy industrial sector but the wealthiest oligarchs, such as Karp Egorov, have diversified portfolios in areas such as telecommunications and defense. Karp runs Karpacom, a massive cellular carrier in Northern Avalonia with over a two hundred million subscribers as of 2020. The oligarchs often come from former military, intelligence, or government backgrounds with many connections within the state. Some sources even list Osorra's high ranking generals as oligarchs, since they are often known for using state-owned companies for their benefit. The oligarchs are extremely unpopular within the country, due to the extreme corruption they enable.
| # | Major Exports |
|---|---|
| 1 | Semiconductors/Integrated Circuts |
| 2 | Automotive/Heavy Equipment |
| 3 | Electronics |
| 4 | Machine tools |
| 5 | Telecommunications equipment |
| 6 | Sheet metal |
| 7 | Copper |
| 8 | Footwear |
| 9 | Gemstones |
| 10 | Cosmetic products |
Largest Osorrai Companies
State-owned
| Rank | Name | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OsBank | Finance |
| 2 | Osorra International Trade Market | Trade |
| 3 | Sapa | Automotive |
| 4 | Sosya | Electronics, Defense |
| 5 | Osorra Mining Corporation | Metals |
| 6 | mail.osa | Information technology |
| 7 | Karpacom | Telecommunications |
| 8 | Osorrapec | Energy |
| 9 | Kozlovfab | Semiconductors |
| 10 | Osorra Standard | Agriculture |
Income Distribution
Osorra is among the most unequal nations in Avalonia, both with extreme wealth and income inequality. The income GINI is over .5 and it is thought the wealth GINI is around .7 or .8. Suprisingly, Osorrai inequality is not simply the result of wealth concentration among oligarchs but also concentration among the urban middle classes. Numbering about 30-40 million they make up 1/3 of the Osorrai population but these top 33% of earners take over 70% of Osorrai incomes and control more than 90% of the nations wealth. The middle class has seen their fortunes rise with communist transition, employed in large Osorrai or foreign multinationals or the state sector. They earn developed or close to developed world wages. Much literature has called this class the "forgotten ones", neglected by the new Osorrai state and forced into insecure part time work. Furthermore because of the homelessness ban, many of them are forced into public housing projects.
The top Osorrai 1% does not collect much in incomes but instead makes their wealth from capital gains. The amount of wealth held by the Osorrai upper classes is yet unknown as much of their wealth is hidden abroad. Osorrai billionaires have caused housing priced to skyrocket in cities across the world.
Mining
Osorra is one of the largest producers of precious metals in Anterra, having large reserves of copper, bauxite, silver, gold, jadeite, diamonds, tin, lithium, and iron. The country's mining reserves are primary under the control of a public-private partnership known as Osorra Mining Corporation, which owns most of the nations reserves. Mining is an important source of revenue for the Osorrai state, especially due to widespread tax evasion. In 2019 it was estimated 3% of government revenue was derived from the mining industry. Since the 2000s Osorra has put at least 25% of its total mining revenues in the Osorrai Sovereign Wealth Fund to attempt to stabilize government revenues from commodity shocks.
Osorra's mining industry primary operates around the mountains and in the Intoi Desert, displacing many native groups in the process. Concerns have emerged over the environmental impacts of the mining industry, however the Osorrai government has seldom agreed to comment. The growth in lithium demand in particular has brought massive environmental strain, with many communities reporting over 2/3 of their clean water has been tainted by the mining industry. The military has strong connections with the mining industry, and has often acted to clear entire villages to speed up mine construction. The industry is seen as one of the most corrupt in Osorra, but due to the nation's reliance on mining, government action to contain its excesses has been limited.
Energy
Osorra's energy sector is primarily controlled by the army, in particular, the army-owned company National Institute for Power Delivery. Osorra has some of the cheapest energy in the world, due to both the large presence of nuclear power, and subsidization by the military apparatus. However, power availability is uneven with many rural areas cut off from power. The largest consumer of power is the industrial sector.
Osorra's energy grid is primarily dominated by hydropower (20%) and nuclear power (55%), with coal and natural gas making up the rest. Osorra has limited wind and solar, unable to compete with cheap nuclear energy. The country consumes X GW annually, with a per capita consumption of X. Osorra has been praised throughout the rest of Anterra for its embrace of clean and renewable energy, however concerns exist over the military's handling of nuclear technology. From the 60s-70s Osorra had a nuclear weapons program which was only ended due to the Osorra-Tilenno War. Since then all of Osorra's nuclear facilities are subject to inspections, must allow permanent inspector presence, and partial privatization.
In Osorra access to power is limited to some groups. 95% of the population has access to energy, many of them living in affluent cities. However, in many of the native reservations, access to electricity is limited. Osorra in recent has attempted to expand capacity as a result and aims for 100% energy coverage by 2030.
Osorra has to import a significant portion of its fuel, but with the advent of hydraulic fracking, the country has been able to be more energy self-sufficient. Osorra is a world leader in fracking technologies with significant government support for the technology. In recent years the country has even become a significant exporter of fracking equipment, chemicals, and expertise. OsorraPec is among the largest investor in both Yarovar oil sands and Mehmet's hard to reach hydrocarbon basins.
Industry
The first large scale industries were created in the 1880s by entrepreneurs from mainland Vojisky. These industries were primarily about weaving textiles and refining agricultural products from Osorrai plantations. The Imperial Steel Corporation would build a plant in Kakahb in 1890 - one of the largest in its era. When Vojisky rule ended in Osorra, inventors and technicians were able to form cooperatives to manage many of the former Vojisky plants. These cooperatives - renamed Organizations for Maximal Technical Production - would rapidly build up the nation's industries from the 1920s-40s. Inspired by the utopian ideals of Tanets Solstana, they sought to make Osorra an industrial powerhouse. The Menshevik government gave them extremely cheap credit and debased its own currency, a major cause in the Osorrai Depression in the 40s. Later they would be bailed out by the new Volkovist government, on the precondition that the bailout would lead to their effective nationalization. The Volkovist government began rational state planning to distribute the products of Osorrai industry. They would reorient production towards armanents and capital goods in an attempt to catch up with the major powers of Anterra. Osorra would construct massive shipbuilding, aerospace, rolling stock, electronics, and automotive industres in the 60s and 70s. With the 80s however the peace deal forced Osorra to restructure these industries back towards consumer goods. The shipbuilding and aerospace industries began a slow decline. The electronics industry however grew by leaps and bounds, redirecting military production towards consumer computers that it sold to both foreign and domestic customers. With the collapse of communism the aerospace industry was gutted through new deregulatory reforms. Yazov Novikova worked to prevent the semiconductor sector from seeing a similar fate and helped protect them. The aerospace industry today is primarily focused on military applications.
Today Osorra has large heavy industries in the areas of metallurgy, telecommunications, semiconductors, electronics, nuclear, industrial machinery, petrochemicals, automobiles, shipbuilding, and rolling stock. Today industry makes up around 35% of the GDP of Osorra and industrial products like semiconductors are the country's most important exports. Osorra also has a light industry primarily made up of small factories - both private and publicly owned - making various goods like clothes, footwear, toys, and other cheap items. Osorrai light industry is extremely productive and utilizes automation and statistical techniques to improve cost and quality.
The largest Osorrai industrial company is Sapa - which owns industries across a variety of sectors. Sapa is one of the world's largest producers of machine tools - and has interests as far as aviation engines to home appliances. The company is valued at over 100 billion dollars and has revenues in excess of 70 billion. Sapa has acquired many ex-state owned factories and design bureaus and restructured them to produce globally competitive products. Outside of large conglomerates like Sapa, Sosya, or AlOsya - Osorra has a variety of small and medium sized secondary industries to provide parts for these major industrial giants.
The Osorrai Government extends a great deal of assistance to industry through cheap energy, low interest loans, tax breaks, and subsidies. The government operates an office to coordinate industrial development and industrial policy. Every 3 Years this office publishes reports on the nation's development and plans for future modernization. Osorra also has an extensive technical school system to train workers.
Agriculture
The agricultural sector is a comparatively small part of the Osorrai economy at around 9.5% of GDP - or 280 billion dollars. Regardless it remains an industry the country is world famous for and one of the countries most important industries. Osorra's primary crops are sweet potatoes, maize, turkey, beef, peppers, rice, soybeans, tomatoes, and tobacco. The country is mostly made up of arable land or has developed extensive irrigation infrastructure in areas with limited water supplies. The country has one of the most industrialized food systems in Anterra and its food science industry is bleeding edge.
Osorra's largest food companies include Osorra Standard (OC/Осорра Стандарт), Osorra Soy (OCoя/Осорра Соя), General Institute for Genetic Research (OИГИ /Общий Институт Генетических Исследований), General Enterprise for Pepper Trading (ГППTП/Генеральное Предприятие По Tорговле Перцем). These companies are primary involved in trade of agricultural commodities, processing of food, and financing for farmers but do not directly grow crops themselves. Farmers in Osorra are seen as a small yet privileged class with extensive wealth. Most farming families are dynastic and hold massive plots usually acquired by their forefathers by Yarovar land grants. They employ a large class of mostly native migrant laborers who have little rights and are forced to move around and look for work. Farm laborers in Osorra are underpaid and usually rely on services from the military to survive.
The Osorrai agriculture industry has been fraught with controversy and conspiracy. The industry is massively centralized and imbalanced, making use of local government corruption and oversight to pollute environments and drain local water supplies. Okarina has been in a drought for over a decade due to the abuses of the agriculture and mining industries. The country makes heavy use of GMOs and processed food which many doctors believe cause health problems. The industry in the country has attempted to control health research and shut down criticism of their products. Osorra Standard and General Institute for Genetic Research have both been involved in numerous lawsuits to the tune of billions of dollars.
Osorra is one of Anterra's largest exporters of peppers. The country's peppers are famous for their unique flavor and high spice levels. Osorra is a major exporter of food in Anterra due to its extremely fertile soil and advanced food science techniques to increase yields. The country's agriculture remains one of the most productive in Avalonia despite its small size. Osorra has also built a great deal of irrigation infrastructure to turn previously dry parts of the nation into hyperproductive breadbaskets.
Infrastructure
Osorra has some of the most well developed infrastructure in the region. Infrastructure development has always been a significant priority of subsequent Osorrai administrations going back to the 1910s. The highway network and rail network are both fully state owned and operated by the Armed Forces. The rail lines were consolidated into Osorra National Rails after a series of railway bubbles in the 1930s. Today Osorra has a vast rail network with several high-speed rail lines in the Cuzka-Kakhab-Zalivkov triangle. The passenger rail system transports 121 million people annually. The freight rail system is similarly well developed and transports a huge volume of industrial cargo.
The Osorrai highway network has significantly expanded since the fall of Communism due to increasing government investment into the system. Many new highways have sprung up and the administration of the highways has been simplified into the Osorra Highway Administration Bureau. Local oblasts build their own highway system to varying degrees of development. The highway system is primarily funded by state-backed real estate speculation around new highway exits - where state backed real estate companies purchase the land and build properties or sell. To combat congestion Osorrai cities have created well-developed public transport networks through busses, trams and subways. 5 Osorrai cities currently have a metro system with 10 cities predicted to have lines by 2030.
Osorra has a well-developed aviation industry. Around 15 cities have international airports - the busiest being Kakhab New International Airport at around 20 million passengers annually. Osorra used to manufacture planes but today buys planes from Nanwen. The largest airline is state owned - Intoi Airlines - with several smaller private players dominating the rest of the market. The growth of the aviation industry has greatly slowed following the creation of the Osorrai high speed rail system but it remains growing at a steady clip of around 4% due to demand for travels into East Kesh.
Finally Osorra's ports are very well-developed due mostly to the nation's expansive manufacturing industry. Osorra's ports are able to accommodate growing mega-ships and enjoy generous funds for upgrades. The nation's ports are known for being some of the first in Avalonia to integrate leading edge technologies in containerization. Having effective ports is a significant priority for the government as it looks to retain its manufacturing edge.
Telecommunications is the only piece of infrastructure in Osorra under private ownership. The nation's telecom infrastructure is primarily owned by Karpacom and a joint venture between the Armed Forces, Kodeshia Telecom and the Mikhaylovs - OsTel. The two company's operate a duopoly. Still, Osorrai telecommunication infrastructure is quite developed due to generous financing from state banks. The country has a high rate of smartphone penetration at around 75% and has over 110 million internet users. The country has quickly adopted new 5G and gigabit internet networks. Osorra is a significant manufacturer of networking equipment through various firms affiliated with the Novikova family.
Business Environment
Osorra has a varied business environment with different oblasts having different regulations. Federal taxes are fairly low, with a flat tax of 12% being applied to all groups, a land value tax, along with various natural resource taxes. The state also derives significant amounts of revenue from state owned enterprises like Osorra Mining Corporation, Osorra Nuclear Infrastructure Corporation, and Osorra National Rails. Oblasts level flat income and property taxes, although some oblasts like Okhrina Oblast have no income taxes and very low corporate taxes. Kakhab Hi-Tech Zone charges no taxes, instead deriving its revenues from land speculation.
Osorra has a libertine regulatory environment with little regulations concerning the environment or public safety. Enforcement is often non existent, especially for the well-connected.
Finance in Osorra is tightly regulated. All the banks are state owned and follow strict government accounting and capital control laws. Speculative markets like real estate have a large degree of state participation to keep prices down and a variety of byzantine regulations and codes exist around the stock exchange. Osorra has seen limited development within its FIRE sector forcing many Osorrai billionaires to invest abroad.
Osorra's main advantage comes from its very highly developed human capital, well developed infrastructure, cheap raw materials, easy financing for capital intensive projects, and dense supply chains for manufacturing. These factors have meant despite Osorra's complex regulatory and taxation environment the country is a cornerstone for the electronics and other intensive manufacturing industries.
Overall Osorra is ranked in the middle of countries to do business, while being less open than other countries in Avalonia its well developed heavy industry, high development of human capital, and good infrastructure makes Osorra a key cornerstone in Avalonian manufacturing.
Healthcare
The Osorrai healthcare system is primarily operated by the government - particularly the Military Directorate of Biopolitics and Health - and takes up around 8% of GDP. Osorra has one of the highest rates of hospital beds per capita in Avalonia. All citizens are guaranteed healthcare services by the government. Citizens that make incomes in lower income brackets are guaranteed free healthcare while higher income brackets have to pay small co-pays. Private healthcare is legal, however not covered by the government. Many private companies like Sosya are involved in the healthcare industry, producing equipment for Osorrai hospitals, and operating databases for the government to store health information. The Osorrai government operates a centralized healthcare database called the National System for Healthcare Information. These databases have been criticized by human rights activists for having large amounts of extremely intimate personal information with few limitations in how the data can be used.
Osorra, while having a large pharmaceuticals industry, is a net importer of pharmaceuticals primarily from Tilenno and Akitewa. The Osorrai government negotiates with suppliers to keep prices low and has been known to suspend IP protections and outsource production to domestic companies if foreign suppliers are unable to comply with their requirements. Intellectual property protections in Osorra related to medicines are particularly weak in Osorra and it is a hotbed for grey market drugs.
Osorrai healthcare is particularly imbalanced having state of the art facilities located in the major cities and poor run down hospitals in poorer parts of the country. The Military Directorate of Biopolitics and Health has created a plan to alleviate this imbalance and has pledged 50 billion dollars towards rural healthcare facilities in the next decade. Osorra rarely utilizes the "best" healthcare equipment, instead choosing to wait for technologies to prove themselves and prices to lower.
Organized Crime
In Osorra, organized crime groups are widespread - with the country commonly being seen as a "mafia state". Secret societies in the country infiltrate many legitimate white market activities, holding significant stake in major corporations. Also for small and medium sized businesses organized crime groups and secret societies are often the only ones that lend them credit. The 4 major families are heavily connected to secret societies. The Balakirev Triad is the largest organized crime group in the country. They were founded by Kodeshi migrants in the 1880s, taking control of the optics and glass manufacturing industry, and took over many research labs during the Volkovist period. The group is heavily involved in pornography, the sex trade, and amphetamines. The second largest is Osya Bratva, which is closely linked with the Armed Forces of Osorra. Formed as a far-right gang in the 1980s its members played a key role in the coup d'etat that overthrew the Communist government and help establish modern Osorra. Osya Bratya patrols lower class areas, with a strict honor culture and machismo. [1] Osya Bratya runs numerous casinos across the country and is a major player in the international amphetamine and heroin trade. The third largest group is the mostly indigenous gang V Condor. V Condor operates mostly in the interior and southern provinces among poorer areas. It practices Tanents Solstana and often redistributes its profits from illicit activities to Churches of the Sun. The gang derives the majority of its revenues from the fracking industry where it has numerous links and connections.
Sex Work
Sex work in Osorra is illegal, with heavy punishments applied for both prostitutes and pimps alike. Sex toys are similarly banned. All pornography sites were banned in 2015 with the support of the military and pornography distribution on USBs carries a significant sentence. Still, the industry thrives underground. Osorrai gangs run a variety of underground brothels across the country and produce a variety of pornographic videos. These gangs are known to engage in illicit human trafficking and sexual abuse. Many Osorrai politicians have been implicated in scandals involving the sex trade.
While adult video is illegal in Osorra - erotic literature and film is completely permissible. Unfortunately some gangs have used that loophole to create "legitimate" front studios for the production of illicit videos - as depicted in Noll' (2015 film). The country has implemented various crackdowns due to rising public discontent yet little has been done.
Demographics
Osorra has a population of 130,734,320 according to the 2015 census, with the population estimate suggesting 131,234,320. Osorra has a TFR of 1.9, with a general trend of reducing birthrates since the 50s, when pro natalist policies were discarded. In the 90s Osorra had a major fall in birthrates, and an increase in death rates, with the TFR only going up in the early 00s. There are wide variances in birthrates between different regions and ethnic groups. The Osorrai population has been aging, with only 22% of the population under 18, and over 10% over 60 according to the recent census. Many demographers worried about this impending aging crisis, and have urged the Osorrai government to start raising birthrates.
Osorra's population is predominantly urban, with an urbanization rate of 72%. The largest urban area is Zalivkov with a population of around 12 million, followed by Cuzka with a population of 8 million.
Ethnic groups
Osorra is one of the most diverse nations in Anterra, which is especially true with its ethnic groups as no group has a clear majority. The last census estimates "pure whites" make up around 22% of the population, "mixed" makes up around 41%, "natives" make up 25%, and "others" (mostly Cicrassian, Mountain Jews, Roma, non-Osorrai Avalonian Natives, Tartars, and Akitei) make up 17%. Osorrai ethnic categories have been criticized for being too simplifed and in response the government has created more detailed ethnic breakdowns. Osorra has hundreds of diverse ethnic groups, which has sparked study by demographers and ethnologists the world over.
The nation hosts large populations of many groups that were suppressed by the mainland Vojiskiy Empire, such as Cicrassians. Many of them fled to Osorra in the 1860-80s, seeking safety and refuge. These groups came to Osorra and incorparated their local tradition with that of other groups. Osorra has very diverse native groups, with thousands of years of tradition. Natives are known for having their own unique music mythology and cuisines, which is celebrated by all Osorrai, regardless of ethnic group. The most interesting groups in Osorra are "mixed" groups such as Yarovar-Quechan or Akit-Osorrai. They represent how Osorra is a "melting pot" where cultures from all over Anterra intermix. In recent years cuisine from mixed communities sich as Akit-Osorrai has gained a large following in Anterra.
Education
Osorra has a well ranked education system despite its limited funding. Osorrai education is primary public and free, albeit private schools do exist. Education is a right guaranteed by the Constitution of Osorra. The nation has impressive literacy rates at over 98%. The Directorate for Education is primary responsible for education in the country. Osorra has an impressive rate of students seeking post-secondary education with among 45% of the country's population being college graduates.
Osorrai law requires at least 9 years of compulsory schooling. However parents can start putting their kids into nursery centers by age 3 or 4, free of charge. Primary education starts at age 6 and gives the students a Primary Education Certificate. Secondary schools in Osorra have a competitive examination system to determine admissions placing students into a Secondary School "Tier". This system has been criticized for leading to severe education inequality as lower tier schools are often severely underfunded. After graduating from Secondary School students can choose a Teritary Institution. Admissions for the top colleges such as Cuzka Institute for Public and Intelligence Policy, Kakhab Polytechnic, Kakhab Grand Ecole, University of Zalivkov, and Cuzka Institute are fiercely competitive since landing in these colleges can guarantee students a high paying job and a ticket to the middle class.